Brendan Rodgers has reassured Craig Gordon that he still has a future at Celtic.
Dorus de Vries was given his debut in the 4-1 win over Aberdeen and is clearly viewed by Rodgers as much more than a back up keeper.
Since the departure of Fraser Forster to Southampton two years ago Gordon has been the undisputed first choice Celtic keeper- completing a fairytale comeback after three years out the game due to injury.
Shortly after signing de Vries from Nottingham Forest Rodgers stated that selling the keeper to Wolves from Swansea was as difficult as the transfer of Luis Suarez from Liverpool to Barcelona.
That comment sounded ominous for Gordon but after giving de Vries his Celtic debut Rodgers made a point of praising the man he had replaced in the side.
“I want to reiterate, Craig Gordon has been fantastic since he came here,” the Celtic boss said. “In fairness to him, there has been a lot of unfair focus on him.
“Dorus knows how I work inside out and I am sure Craig Gordon will get an opportunity again. Whether that comes the next game, or after, he will be better for this way of working.”
Leigh Griffiths opened the scoring for Celtic in the 13th minute but Adam Rooney had Aberdeen back on level terms before James Forrest restored Celtic’s lead before the break.
The game was still in the balance going into the closing stages but goals in the last five minutes from Scott Sinclair (penalty) and Tom Rogic secured the points to take Celtic clear at the top of the table ahead of the tribute act.
CLICK HERE for Celtic fans react to Dorus de Vries debut
CLICK HERE for Griffiths explaining Kieran McDade gesture.
CLICK HERE for McInnes blames Madden.
